House Fire Leaves Iraq War Veteran, Wife Homeless

House Fire Leaves Iraq War Veteran, Wife Homeless
A neighbor and friend helps the veteran, a stroke victim, to get out of the house as flames were increasing.
Story by D.K. Wright

DEEP RUN, Ohio -- The worst possible circumstances were all present on New Year's morning at a major house fire in Belmont County.
A recovering stroke victim was alone in the house, plus there were icy roads, no fire hydrants, a long distance for help to travel and the flames were prompting ammunition in the house to explode.

The house belongs to Joseph Ross and his wife Jenny.

Joseph, in his 40s, and a veteran of the Iraq War who was just recovering from a stroke, was at home alone Friday morning when he awoke to flames all around him.

"He said he was sleeping and he woke up and there was fire around him and he got his dogs out; he was over there counting the dogs and he got them out," said Linda Irwin, Ross' mother-in-law.

Neighbors who are dear friends reportedly got Joseph out the door to safety.
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